The UNC basketball program just made waves by securing a commitment from international shooting star Luka Bogavac, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. In the wake of Drake Powell’s departure to the NBA, Hubert Davis and his squad were in desperate need of reinforcements on the wing. Bogavac not only fills that gap but could also signal the end of the Tar Heels’ offseason recruiting efforts.
While the 2025-2026 season may still be a few months away, the excitement is palpable as fans start envisioning the potential starting lineup. With nine new faces joining the mix and only two veteran players returning, the landscape of the team is about to change dramatically. Fortunately, this new roster brims with versatility and offers plenty of exciting options for Coach Davis to explore.
Let’s take a closer look at what the projected starting five might look like when the Tar Heels hit the court:
Kyan Evans
Coming over as a transfer from Colorado State, Evans is set to take the reins as the Tar Heels’ lead guard this upcoming season. He’s not just your average playmaker; this guy can score. Ranking in the top 25 nationally with an impressive 44.6% from three-point range, Evans is precisely what North Carolina needs after struggling from deep last season. His ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates will be essential. While he’ll likely carry the burden of leading the offense, Evans’ skill set might also allow him to operate off the ball when needed, giving the team some tactical flexibility.
Seth Trimble
If there’s anyone poised to take full advantage of this revamped roster, it’s Seth Trimble. With the team’s newfound focus on shooting, Trimble’s explosive ability to get to the rim stands to shine even brighter. Last season, defenses were often able to collapse the paint, knowing the Tar Heels lacked outside shooting threats. This year, with a roster aimed at better spacing, he won’t have to worry about being overmatched physically, particularly when matched up against larger forwards. Importantly, Trimble will also likely have more chances to showcase his playmaking skills, fulfilling his desire to facilitate during what could be a pivotal final season.
Luka Bogavac
The acquisition of Luka Bogavac isn’t just a move for the future; the Tar Heels expect him to make an immediate impact. At 6-foot-5, he might be a touch undersized but make no mistake: he can score. Coming off a strong season in the ABA, Bogavac averaged 14.9 points with enticing shooting splits of 45% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc. The UNC coaching staff is banking on him being a key contributor in their offensive scheme, and he’s sure to be given plenty of chances to showcase those skills.
Caleb Wilson
Caleb Wilson is more than just another name on the roster; he’s a top-five prospect in his class and one of the most coveted recruits out of high school. Calling Chapel Hill home, Wilson is poised to step in as a starter from day one. Given Davis’s past tendencies to ease freshmen into the lineup, fans may raise an eyebrow if Wilson doesn’t start right away. His immense talent and the presence of experienced players around him create the perfect environment for a rookie to develop. The expectation is that he’ll be right there in the starting rotation, learning and growing with each game.
Henri Veesaar
And let’s talk about size—finally! The Tar Heels have addressed their past shortcomings in the paint by picking up Arizona transfer Henri Veesaar, who stands tall at 7 feet and weighs in at 225 pounds. Veesaar brings invaluable rim protection along with efficiency as a scorer and rebounder. After struggling at the center position, his arrival is nothing short of a game-changer. It’ll be fascinating to see how Davis integrates Veesaar into the offense, given his ability to stretch the floor. This strategic addition could have a substantial impact on how the team approaches both ends of the court.
As the Tar Heels prepare for the upcoming season, the excitement and anticipation surrounding this roster cannot be overstated. With fresh talent and newfound versatility, Hubert Davis has plenty of options to work with as the team looks to make a statement on the hardwood. It’s a thrilling time to be a UNC basketball fan!
